By Erin Judge, managing editor, PostPress

Bobst North America recently hosted packaging professionals from across the industry for a special event designed to inspire, educate and support the next generation of the workforce. The event, “Packaging Forward,” was held at the Bobst Atlanta Competence Center in response to an industry-wide need to attract and retain new talent. Attendees represented multiple facets within the folding carton and corrugated packaging sectors, including early-career professionals, industry experts and technology leaders. The two-day event featured a combination of presentations, networking opportunities, discussions and hands-on demonstrations focusing on how the industry is evolving to meet new expectations around efficiency, sustainability and digitalization.

Following an opening night reception, the second day of the event started with a panel of experts representing various packaging and industry associations. The panel, moderated by Kerry Brown, chief operating officer for Curtis Packaging in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, featured Lisa Lockwood, senior engagement manager for the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Rob McCann, global tooling director for Bobst and president of the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD), Rebecca Rendon, senior manager of education and training at the Independent Packaging Association (AICC), and Caitlin Salaverria, president of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF).

Each panelist shared perspectives on the future of the folding carton and corrugated packaging industries, along with the recruitment and retention challenges facing their respective associations. While representing different organizations, the speakers largely agreed on the need for stronger industry-wide awareness, education and workforce recruitment initiatives – with some emphasizing the importance of introducing students to packaging careers and the industry’s sustainability efforts as early as elementary school. Additionally, an overriding theme of “people first” echoed through the commentary – with the panel stressing the need for management teams to focus on retention of the current workforce by providing a clear work-life balance for all employees and engaging entry-level and new employees in strategic company and business conversations.

The panel discussion was followed by a technical overview of die tooling and a demonstration of Bobst’s Digital Inspection Table, led by Bobst’s technical experts. Brown then presented on Curtis Packaging’s success and growth over the past 180 years, highlighting investments not only in automation and advanced equipment but in “people first” initiatives – like implementing four-day workweeks. Through these efforts, the company has been able to maintain high levels of efficiency and quality for its customers all while meeting significant sustainability goals and improving employee morale and work-life balance. The event concluded with a plant tour of local manufacturer, Peachtree Packaging.

“Packaging Forward reflects Bobst’s broader commitment to industry education, workforce development and building stronger connections across the packaging community,” concluded Katie Graham, regional marketing & communications manager at Bobst North America. “The packaging industry is evolving quickly and investing in the people who will lead the next chapter is critical.”